Posted By M Forbes Hey im 19 and recently done my NEBOSH General Certificate and passed with a credit, before i was even issued with my certificate i was employed in a multinational oil company as a trainee QHSSE Advisor. They have put me through all sorts of basic courses such as Risk Assessment, Manual Handling, Fire Warden, First Aid etc etc. What i want to know is what could i do to further my H&S qualifications int he oil and gas industry that would not interfere with my full time job? Is there anything? Ive looked into doing the NEBOSH Diploma but i live in Grampian - Scotland and there is nowhere for aobut 80 miles that provide the course. Any help appreciated

Posted By Stuart Hamilton Look at the links for course that give graduate membership - you could utilise the distance learning options given by a number of the universities/ colleges. I have known present and past team members to have attended Stevenson College and Strathclyde University.

Posted By Linda Westrupp Distance learning is normally undertaken using printed material and (more and more) by e-learning methods. You would be assigned to a tutor who is usually available by phone (or video conferencing if that is possible)and to whom you send assignments etc. If you are not very disciplined it can be hard but some people find it the best method of learning for them as you go at your own speed (within reason of course), and study at times that suit you. NVQ route is, in some ways, similar, and often uses printed material to give you the core knowledge, you then construct a portfolio of evidence that you have met the requirements. Again you would be assigned an assessor who is there to advise and assist you in your portfolio construction. If you look under 'about membership' on this site there is some useful information about what level you might want to go for in NVQ. If you choose distance learning you might want to look at the Nebosh Diploma but again look at the membership site for ideas. Good luck in your chosen profession and in whichever route you opt for. Linda

Posted By AlisonSM Having done the PG Cert in Health and Safety Risk Management at Strathclyde, I would recommend that as the course notes are excellent. It does however require a LOT of will power on the old studying front (they "suggest" 12 hours per week but that's a conservative estimate!). The trick is not to fall behind! Basically you would need to write about 120, 500 word essays on a variety of topics from ergonomics to the the history of H&S (with everything in between!). In addition, there are 3 longer assignments of about 2500 words on a given topic such as Human Error. When I did it (a few years ago) there was also a group exercise where you had to write a report with input from fellow students - contacting them by e-mail..not sure if they still do this though! I started in September and the first month or so was OK..Christmas was a nightmare as you have to study when everyone else is out having fun!? However, the course finished in May so it wasn't too bad so well worth the effort. You need to pass a percentage of essays to pass the course but you have a tutor assigned to you that can provide support and advice if required [you e-mail them your essays each week / month and they will send out a reminder if you forget or miss one]. Aberdeen Uni used to do a Masters in Ergonomics but that course ended several years ago - may be worth contacting them to see if they have anything safety related. I would try and get some backing from your employer though as you'll need the time to study (even if they don't pay for the course, a day study leave each week can come in handy if you still want to hit the pubs at the weekend...I studied at Aberdeen back in 2003 or so - it's a cracking city for the olde pub crawl!!) Good luck and congratulations on getting a job in safety..it's an "interesting but frustrating" at time career!

Posted By Steve Cartwright RRC do the NEBOSH Diploma via distance learning. You can contact tutor's via email or telephone. Very helpful, also attending a revision workshop. It worked for me. Personally I would choose academic route i.e. Diploma or Degree.

Posted By Bob Youel Rapid Results College or similar establishment by distance learning best of luck

Posted By M Forbes Haha, hey big bro.

Posted By Bob Shillabeer Just thought I should say that was not meant as a still wet behind the ears thing; it's great that young people are getting into safety field the more the better as that will prevent bad habits becoming the norm. Try some career guidance,it will help.

Posted By Malcolm Hogarth All right, i'll put my head above the parapet and ask the question...... is this a wind up? (I did just check to see whether the initial query was put out on a Friday) If it is a wind up I guess you deserve a bit of credit. If not, take on board the sage advice. Malcolm

Posted By Dave Wilson Ex Green Beret so I don't mind sticking my head above the trench. Good on you, you young wipper snapper, its good to get young blood into the industry but remember you have to learn to run before you can walk mate, do not make rash decisions and always ask and then ask again, as in this business the young / middle / old H&S bod DOES NOT have a monopoly on the good ideas. You cannot do all your learning from books it has to be on the ground learning from more experienced people, it's the only way you will progress. So in 20 years you going to be the 'Safety God' of the petro chemical industry?

Posted By Katrina McGuire The University of Portsmouth also does an MSc in Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Management, have a look on their website or contact me directly if I can help. I also understand that NEBOSH are piloting a 'Certificate in Health and Safety for the Oil and Gas Industry', you could contact NEBOSH directly for more information. Katrina

Posted By M Forbes Well the reason i got into this occupation was because of my older brother Kevin, who posted above. He's been a H&S Advisor/Officer for the last 3-4 years. Who also advised me to sit my NEBOSH General Certificate. So no it's not a wind up, and as for his grammer i don't know. He could possibly be rubbish at english, i've never really seen him writing anything. Anyway Kevs my older brother (24) whos offshore at the moment, he posted a sarcastic comment saying i just "blagged" my way into the job and i just thought i'd say hey lol. Regards M Forbes

Posted By M Forbes Haha, cheers Dave.

Posted By M Forbes Yes and no, i live 40 miles north of aberdeen, but i work in Dyce which is 2 miles from Aberdeen. Therefore i could probably go after my work and just be really tired. . . . However i phoned up aberdeen university who said they no longer do the diploma only the general certificate. . . sounds like something work looking into. Thanks for the advice.